The financial cost of attending nursing school in Pennsylvania includes several elements. Aside from annual tuition fees, students must budget the cost of books and supplies for the academic year. Room and board should also be taken into consideration for students living on campus. Finally, nurses will take a state-administered examination upon graduation that requires a nominal fee.
Prospective students can choose one of several nursing pathways, including a certificate, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree program. Financial costs differ substantially by pathway. Brief programs that fulfill general requirements (e.g., a nursing assistant certificate) cost significantly less than lengthier, specialized programs (e.g., a bachelor of science in nursing). Students studying in community colleges and public universities will also pay significantly lower tuition fees than their counterparts at private schools.
To help aspiring nurses make an informed decision, we have compiled below detailed expense data for a number of Pennsylvania’s nursing programs. These cost estimates include tuition and fees, books and supplies, and room and board where available.